If your idea of the perfect break is something a little more active than lying on a sun lounger beside a pool, one of these luxe adventure holidays in some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking locations might just be for you
The Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
The routes of the Rocky Mountaineer, through the dramatic backdrop of Western Canada, loom large among the great train journeys of the world. Travel between Vancouver and Jasper, Banff, Calgary or Lake Louise – sure in the knowledge that whichever route you choose, you will witness spectacular scenery. A kaleidoscope of vistas of glacier-fed lakes, mountains and wild rivers set the scene for the Canadian wildlife to perform. Keep your camera close to hand as Mother Nature puts on an awe-inspiring show.
Botswana
The Okavango Delta’s incredible landscape is a maze of waterways and grassy floodplains, a true safari haven, and Beyond’s lodges and camps are strategically placed around these ever-changing lands. From a choice of camps your luxe adventure begins, and the beauty of Botswana (home to the world’s largest elephant population) can be seen from the air as you journey between. Cruise the channels in a mokoro canoe or gallop with the herds on horseback before enjoying your final safari sundowner at and Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge – recently rebuilt, it offers grandeur in an untouched location.
Luxury and adventure in New Zealand
With quiet white sand beaches, turquoise inlets and truly boutique accommodation to die for, New Zealand offers so much more than its thrill-seeker reputation gives it credit for. But be sure to try some of the outstanding activities on offer across the country – from kayaking, sailing, swimming with whales and dolphins, water-skiing and white-water rafting to snow-skiing, jet-boating, hiking, cycling, 4WD touring, bungee-jumping and heli-fishing. A two-week holiday is just long enough to combine an exciting mix of adventure, gourmet delights and stunning beaches in New Zealand as well as giving you time to relax and breathe in the Kiwi way of life.
Bitter End Yacht Club, Caribbean
Families will love Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands. As well as all meals, your stay includes unlimited use of the club fleet, walking/hiking trails, day long blue water excursions, snorkelling trips, Sunday regatta and party, introduction to sailing course, sunset sails and Champagne cruise. The children can take part in the Junior Watersports Programme, learning to sail, snorkel or windsurf, or learn sand painting, join in on guided walks, or take part in storytelling and snorkelling trips.
Road trip through Arizona, Utah and Wyomin – USA National Parks
Discover sandstone masterpieces, natural wonders and backdrops of contrasting colours on this epic journey. Your adventure starts in Las Vegas, close to one of America’s most spectacular natural monuments – The Grand Canyon. Be left breathless by the soaring stone pinnacles layered with two billion years of the earth’s history. Next up: absorb the magnificent panoramas surrounding the open-air amphitheatre in Zion before continuing to explore the winding valleys and auburn-hued monoliths at Bryce Canyon. Make time for a little R&R at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa and indulge in a Slick Rock Massage with spectacular views of the Colorado River. Take in world-famous spectacles of Mitten and Merrick Buttes in Monument Valley and enjoy your final stopover in an enclave of luxury at Amangiri.
India
Packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and India’s tigers, this is culture, colour and nature at its most striking. The Oberoi group provide exquisite hotels along the way, beginning in Delhi, sample authentic Indian food at the Chandni Chowk market before heading to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. Onward to Ranthambhore National Park, the wildlife is diverse – but it’s the tigers that are most coveted. Spend your last nights at ‘The Pink City’ of Jaipur followed by Udaipur, and enjoy an exclusive evening cruise on Lake Pichola.
Aranui Cruise to Tahiti’s mystical Marquesas Islands
Known as the ‘Freighter to Paradise’, the Aranui is surely one of the most unforgettable journeys in the world. A cruise unlike any other, the Aranui is a cargo vessel, which carries supplies – and a limited number of passengers – to the most remote group of islands on earth, the wild and mystical Marquesas. Time seems to have stood still in the Marquesas, where roads and cars are few and far between. Their beauty lies in the welcoming people, the wild horses which roam freely, the mysterious tiki statues and, of course, the awe-inspiring scenery.
New Zealand by Campervan
New Zealand’s stunning scenery is best appreciated from the open road and hiring a campervan for part of your holiday guarantees you a ring-side seat to the diverse and ever-changing vistas. Campervans not only provide more protection from the elements than camping under canvas, you’ll also find everything you need from a gas stove and microwave, a DVD player to give the kids some downtime and a BBQ for relaxed family feasts. We highly recommend staying in powered sites so you can plug-in and take full advantage of your campervan’s facilities. You can also camp in the Department of Conservation’s designated camping grounds or even ‘Freedom Camp’ in many parts of the country without charge.
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